Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
615. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if isolation centres for sick children will be supplied by her Department; if so, the person or body that will be required to supervise them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15334/20]
View answerOn Wednesday 1 July 2020, I welcomed the publication of interim public health advice for the safe re-opening of schools in late August/ September. This interim health advice sets out the key public health requirements that will be required for a safe full reopening of schools and the measures that will be required to achieve this.
Receipt of public health advice will underpin ongoing engagements with education partners and stakeholders in terms of planning and providing guidance for schools in relation to logistical and curricular arrangements and wellbeing. The guidance will also outline the requirements for managing suspected cases and appropriate isolation procedures in the event of a case arising.
My Department’s ongoing work with education partners and other key stakeholders on guidance for re-opening schools is aimed at reducing the burden on schools at a local level by providing central guidance and supports to the greatest extent possible by the end of July in order to allow time for schools to implement the necessary arrangements locally.
